Chapter 7

"Where?" Zheng Jie Jie smiled and shook her head, "Apart from occasionally fertilizing, I haven't put in much effort, just letting it grow on its own."

Xu Qing naturally understood the implication behind the words

Did she mention what the matter was

And you?

Xu Qing blinked fiercely, forcing the tears back into her eyes, and murmured: "Grandma, thankfully you are alright. Otherwise, what would I do?"

"No wonder I didn't know," Xu Qing paused typing, "Your classmate is truly pitiful. It's not that I am biased, but she is indeed much more beautiful than a fairy."

"How long have you been here?" Xu Qing stared at him, her tone somewhat provocative, "Why didn't you call me?"

Zhang Xiaoxiao suddenly laughed: "Jie Jie, I have noticed that your tone is very similar to Xu Qing's."

In the evening, Aunt prepared a meal and brought it over. Grandmother, considering Xu Qing's fatigue from her journey, suggested that she return home to rest. At first, Xu Qing was unwilling, but later, seeing that Grandmother was about to get angry, she reluctantly agreed.

Jiang Luosheng considers, "Is Zheng Jiejie always rejecting boys like this?"

Xu Qing turned her head, intending to continue writing. Just as she typed a few lines, Jiang Luosheng suddenly asked her: "Are you writing a letter to Zheng Jiejie?"

Grandma shook her head with a smile, when suddenly a patient in the neighboring bed interjected: "Is this also your granddaughter?"

Isn't she very beautiful

The last mock exam results were first seen by Jiang Luosheng. On the list, printed in black and white, Xu Qing's name stood out prominently. However, he could not find Xu Qing anywhere. When he asked others, most responded with a blank expression; some, in better spirits, retorted, "If you can't find her, how could we possibly know where she is?"

The ground is approaching.

Zheng Jie Jie stated solemnly: "Roses will never fall from the sky, and universities will not extend olive branches without reason"

How can this be acceptable

Xu Qing expressed her gratitude and hung up the phone, then dialed another number

Xu Qing showed no mercy towards her, "Hahaha, who told you to be greedy."

Not necessarily, doesn't she often send money or gifts back?

Grandmother's eyes were filled with smiles as she reached out to gently pat Xu Qing's hand, scrutinizing her and saying, "Ah, you've lost a lot of weight"

Everyone nodded in agreement

Jiang Luosheng thanked Chen Xian and walked straight to the classroom. After a moment of thought, Chen Xian called out to him again, "Are you her boyfriend?"

Upon exiting the classroom, Xu Qing hurried to the telephone booth near the dormitory. Since it was evening, most of the students were having dinner, leaving the area deserted. Just as the number was dialed, Jiang Luosheng appeared before Xu Qing with a smile. Xu Qing was slightly taken aback, and Jiang Luosheng gave a mysterious smile, silently saying something. Xu Qing turned her eyes away with a smile, knowing that he was referring to "a tacit understanding."

Jiang Luosheng's expression changed slightly, and just as he was about to speak, Xu Qing placed her left index finger on her lips, signaling him to be quiet. Jiang Luosheng then heard a clear voice on the other end of the phone: "Who is it?"

Two minutes before boarding the plane, Zheng Jiejie embraced Xu Qing one last time and encouraged her: "Bring back the gold medal. The mathematical prowess of the Chinese has always amazed the world"

Zheng Jie Jie smiled with a hint of "I know better than you," and said, "Of course, I am praising you. Don't you know that I have always admired you?"

Xu Qing recalled that during her junior high school years, a teacher once said: People are not lovable because they are beautiful, but rather they are beautiful because they are lovable

Xu Qing could not let this sentiment go to waste, no matter what. All of Xu Qing's belongings were in the suitcase, and she quickly packed them up. Zheng Jie Jie saw the suitcase full of books and shook her head with a smile, wanting to say something, when suddenly the phone rang

Upon hearing Xu Qing's response, Zheng Jie Jie was so delighted that she almost jumped up, her tone rising by several decibels, "Ah, that's wonderful, I knew it..." As she spoke, she recalled Xu Qing's earlier voice, which lacked any joy, and Zheng Jie Jie's heart sank. Her tone softened, "You don't seem happy, do you?"

Grandmother gently reprimanded Xu Qing: "What are you saying? As one ages, it is natural to be more prone to illness. Moreover, life is full of uncertainties and disappointments; there will come a day when you will experience the power of time."

Jiang Luosheng shrugged and smiled; he is truly open-minded

After a while, the two of them took a break, and Zheng Jie Jie asked Xu Qing, "Are you tired?"

After hanging up the phone, Xu Qing walked while recounting the entire sequence of events to Jiang Luosheng. Upon hearing this, Jiang Luosheng paused and let out a deep sigh: "With a friend like this, what more could one ask for"

Xu Qing wiped her eyes and said softly, "It is my grandmother who is ill"

A moment later, my grandmother's voice came through the phone, sounding no different from that of a normal person. "Xiaoqing, don't worry. I am in good health, it's just a minor illness."

The latter "to know" carries a different meaning, Jiang Luosheng said, while not forgetting to glance at Xu Qing. Xu Qing let out a sigh of relief, sat back in her seat, and simultaneously shot him a glare, "She has always wanted to get to know you. After we go home, I will introduce you to her, and you will immediately understand what kind of person she is. Then you can go back and tell your friend that he did not like the wrong person."

Zheng Jiejie recalled the events of that day while saying, "The day before yesterday, I went to your house to visit your grandmother, but no one answered the door. However, when I called earlier, your grandmother said she would be at home. I felt uneasy and asked a neighbor to break down the door. As a result, I found your grandmother fainted on the sofa, and I remember she was still holding a book in her hand at that time"

At first, Xu Qing thought she had misheard. Throughout her life, she had never hated her mother's indifference and cruelty as much as she did today. She bit her lip and said, "Mom, it's just a few hours by plane to go back home. I know you are unwilling to come back to see me, but Grandma is your mother. How much suffering did she endure for you back in the day?"

Xu Qing felt a surge of blood rising from her heart. She felt her legs weaken, unable to stand firm, and instinctively reached out to touch the back of the chair. Jiang Luosheng suddenly grasped her hand, and Xu Qing felt a gentle strength flowing through her hand, bringing her an infinite sense of reassurance. She looked into Jiang Luosheng's eyes, and after a moment, her soul slowly returned to its place.

The students were in high spirits, and one of them asked Zheng Jiejie: "Have many universities expressed their willingness to admit Xu Qing?"

Jiang Luosheng did not know where his courage came from, as he tightly embraced her shoulders

Then I want you to pledge yourself to me

This result was already within my expectations. I am truly happy for you. Even if you were not selected, this training session was not without significance

The doctors and patients coming and going in the corridor were all astonished, watching a pair of beautiful young girls express their genuine feelings, deeply moved. The two walked to the entrance, and Zheng Jiejie pulled Xu Qing into a black sedan, instructing the driver to take them to Xu Qing's home. Then, turning to Xu Qing, she spoke in an uncompromising tone: "You go back and pack your things, and we will go to my house to stay immediately"

She played many pieces in one breath. Xu Qing greatly enjoyed it and sincerely praised, "No wonder some say that one thing everyone must do every day is to listen to music"

Xu Qing suddenly felt at ease. She immediately realized that the reason she had delayed until now was to wait for his appearance

Not long after, Jiang Luosheng maintained an expression of "nothing has happened" as he sat down in the seat next to Xu Qing, "I assure you, that time is definitely not enough for you to have a dream"

Xu Qing was taken aback and said, "There is no need to exert yourself; I do not possess that talent. I cannot even read sheet music."

A few people were sitting and chatting, Xu Qing and Zheng Jie each recounted the amusing events that had occurred over the past two to three months, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere. The doctors and nurses who entered the room to change the dressings were also drawn in, and the clinical patients began to reflect: "Once there are a few young people in the room, the atmosphere instantly becomes lively"

Zheng Jiejie smiled slightly and said: "Of course. Not to mention the honor of the country and the school, even for yourself, you will definitely gain a lot, regardless of the aspect."

The sun shines brightly outside the airport, and from time to time, an airplane takes off, slicing through the air with a whistling sound, casting large shadows on the ground. Looking up, the wings glisten.

Xu Qing wrote in an email to Zheng Jie Jie: "We are currently experiencing the practical significance of evolution in the crowd. The concept of survival of the fittest is being inscribed on everyone. The teacher teaches at a rapid pace, regardless of whether you understand; before the weekly selection exam, my hair falls out in large clumps and turns white in large quantities. It is expected that it won't be long before I can play the role of the white-haired witch. The teacher teaches at a rapid pace, regardless of whether you understand; before the weekly selection exam, my hair falls out in large clumps and turns white in large quantities. It is expected that it won't be long before I can play the role of the white-haired witch.

No one had answered the phone for a long time, and Xu Qing felt a vague sense of unease. She hung up and hurriedly called Professor Yang. Upon learning it was Xu Qing, Professor Yang immediately asked: "How is it?"

Xu Qing jumped up, "What?"

As people gradually dispersed, Zheng Jiejie walked out of the airport, seemingly lost in thought, engaging in casual conversation with Zhang Xiaoxiao and a few classmates about Xu Qing's upcoming participation in the highest level of international mathematics competition. This matter was indeed one of the hottest topics in the city during that period.

She is the very lovely female classmate who often visits your home, and it is said that her surname is Zheng

Xu Qing suddenly pulled her hands away from the tendency to break free from each other, resting her chin on her hand in contemplation. "She felt that they were not absolutely bad-hearted mothers and daughters; at the same time, she was not lacking in money"

Zheng Jie pulled Xu Qing to sit in front of the piano, instructing her to press down on a pedal while simultaneously placing Xu Qing's hands on the piano keys, "I will teach you how to play the piano"

When Zheng Jie Jie answered the phone again, Xu Qing first fell silent for a moment, then said: "Jie Jie, great kindness is not to be spoken of in thanks"

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Xu Qing lowered her voice and recounted her grandmother's illness, then earnestly said: "Mom, please come back, come and see Grandma"

On the second day, when Xu Qing arrived at the airport, she was utterly astonished. She had never anticipated that so many people would come to see her off. School leaders, classmates, neighbors—there were simply too many people to count. Her schoolmates were even holding up a flag, drawing the attention of everyone at the airport. Xu Qing's face turned red as she looked at the expectant faces of the crowd, feeling completely at a loss.

The sunlight pierced his eyes, causing discomfort and pain. Zheng Jiejie lowered his head and squinted slightly, spotting Jiang Luosheng outside the bustling airport. He was bent over, supporting an elderly man with his left hand while dragging a large suitcase with his right. As he walked, he engaged the elderly man in conversation. His steps were steady, but he moved slowly to accompany the older man.

Selecting six individuals from one hundred participants, the probability of this occurrence cannot be considered significant under any circumstances

How simple, just flattering each other

Xu Qing felt a deep sense of emotion, yet she was often clumsy with Jiang Luosheng. She neither knew how to act coy nor could she softly utter comforting words; she remained consistently cool and rational. Compared to other girls, she seemed to lack a certain sensitivity. Thus, feeling that the conversation was undoubtedly at a standstill, she changed the subject: "Have you called home?"

Well

The golden sunset was left behind on the tree-lined avenue, casting two emerald shadows on the stone path. The trees by the roadside stood silently, motionless.

Xu Qing caught a whiff of the jasmine fragrance on Zheng Jie Jie, leaned over, and pressed her head against Zheng Jie Jie's body to smell it; Zheng Jie Jie, afraid of being tickled, was startled and reached out to push Xu Qing away, her body tilting towards the bed; Xu Qing made an exaggerated gesture, pouncing over with outstretched arms, wrapping her arms around her waist, and thus the two of them laughed and tumbled into a heap.

Zheng Jiejie was a few steps behind, then squatted down to tie his shoelaces, taking the opportunity to carefully observe him. At first glance, Zheng Jiejie was taken aback and silently praised Xu Qing's gaze.

They quickly passed by Jiang Luosheng

"How do you know?" Xu Qing turned around in surprise to look at Jiang Luosheng. She had mentioned Zheng Jiejie to Jiang Luosheng many times, but had never described her appearance, only stating that Zheng Jiejie was her best friend

Xu Qing looked at Zheng Jie Jie, then at her grandmother. For some unknown reason, the emotions she had long since regulated suddenly spiraled out of control. She tightly grasped her grandmother's arm, and large tears rolled out of her eyes. Grandmother Zheng Jie Jie was initially taken aback, but then immediately offered comfort.

The following day passed quickly, as everyone spent the entire day packing their luggage. However, their mindsets were quite different. Xu Qing discovered for the first time that she had so many books; she remembered that her suitcase was only half full when she arrived, but now it was stuffed to the brim, almost bursting. Most of the classmates had flights on the same day, with people departing at various times. A large group arrived at the airport early in the morning, and they gradually bid farewell to one another. Although everyone had not become too familiar over the past two months, there was still a bond of shared experiences, and they exchanged phone numbers and email addresses with each other. Most of the classmates had flights on the same day, with people departing at various times. A large group arrived at the airport early in the morning, and they gradually bid farewell to one another. Although everyone had not become too familiar over the past two months, there was still a bond of shared experiences, and they exchanged phone numbers and email addresses with each other

As the training period progressed, an increasing number of individuals revealed their inadequate abilities. The questions in the selection examination were not particularly difficult; they did not require profound knowledge but rather insight into the essence of mathematics and mathematical ingenuity, and even demanded a completely new way of mathematical thinking. Xu Qing felt it was manageable, but Jiang Luosheng exhibited a state of diminishing strength. Faced with the possibility of being eliminated, Jiang Luosheng remained remarkably calm; he had always been aware of the depth and weaknesses of his own abilities. Xu Qing felt it was manageable, but Jiang Luosheng exhibited a state of diminishing strength. Faced with the possibility of being eliminated, Jiang Luosheng remained remarkably calm; he had always been aware of the depth and weaknesses of his own abilities

Zheng Jie Jie softly said: "I love you too"

"Alright," Xu Qing replied succinctly, then lowered her voice, "But what exactly is going on?"

Xu Qing was taken aback and looked towards the neighboring bed. The patient there appeared to be of considerable age, and there was no one in front of the bed.

Xu Qing pouted: "I really don't know whether you are praising me or complimenting me"

Finally, it was Chen Xian, who was also selected for the world competition, who informed Jiang Luosheng. He appeared radiant, the fatigue of the past two months completely gone. Upon hearing Jiang Luosheng's cultural insights, he pondered for a moment and pointed to a classroom in the distance, saying, "I just saw Xu Qing in the classroom."

The participants in the training class rarely interacted with each other, and Jiang Luosheng and Chen Xian were no exception. They usually spoke very little, only knowing each other's names. When suddenly asked this question, Jiang Luosheng was taken aback and then recalled that it seemed that only when the results were announced did everyone feel inclined to chat.

Jiang Luosheng gazed at Xu Qing, revealing a fatigued yet still fresh profile, smiling silently. Xu Qing assumed he was acquiescing, unaware that in his heart he was saying: If it is for you, I am willing to give it all up

Zheng Jiejie stopped peeling the fruit and handed Xu Qing a towel, indicating for her to wipe her sweat; at the same time, she turned her head and smiled at the clinical patient, nodding and smiling: "Indeed. She just came back."

Liang Yuanyu believed that Xu Qing was mocking her, thus she remained silent; before hanging up the phone, Xu Qing only said, "I hope you do not carry guilt for a lifetime"

Xu Qing whispered in defense, "Grandma, when you were ill, I was not by your side. Thinking about it makes me truly hate myself. If I had known earlier, I would not have gone to the training camp"

Haha, how could that be? It was said by Goethe

Moments later, Zheng Jie Jie replied via email, saying: You are so exhausted, how can you criticize others? However, I know you will persevere. If you have any grievances or complaints, feel free to share them with me, I will accept them all.

Xu Qingxin suddenly tensed up and asked in a dazed manner, "Classmate?"

We say the same thing

Originally, I wanted to immediately share this news with my grandmother and Zheng Jiejie, but the two of them did not say much more, and the classmates returned to the classroom. The team leader formally announced the selected candidates, followed by a brief speech, the essence of which was to remain humble in victory and resilient in defeat, encouraging the students to continue their efforts. Regardless of whether they were selected, they were undoubtedly among the best students in the country. After this speech, several selected students stayed behind, and the team leader spent several hours informing them of important matters and the arrangements for the period leading up to the competition. Once again, the team leader emphasized the importance of this examination. Xu Qing was the only and youngest girl in the team, thus receiving preferential treatment from various parties.

Jiang Luosheng bent down to look at her, and after a long while, he reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. Although the movement was gentle, Xu Qing was still startled awake. In an instant, Xu Qing's face turned crimson.

Jie Jie, it is I

She treats my grandmother just as she would her own elders You see, just a week into the summer vacation, she was concerned that my grandmother might feel lonely because I was no longer around, so she made a special trip to my home to keep her company and chat

This world is never short of talented individuals. After the exam, everyone took a break for an afternoon, yet no one was willing to sit quietly. Everyone was holding their books, trying to get closer to the lead teacher. The students came from all over the country, their accents varied, creating a sense of distance, and their mindsets were different, as if they were standing ten thousand miles apart. To be honest, until now, I still do not know what the girl in my dorm looks like, nor whether her voice is crisp... To be honest, until now, I still do not know what the girl in my dorm looks like, nor whether her voice is crisp...

"There is something going on. Unless there is a matter, she would not call back." Xu Qing gazed out of the car window, her expression as if she were discussing someone else's affairs. Zheng Jie noticed that her hands were tightly twisted together, one hand yearning to break free from the restraints, while the other hand was exerting all its strength to hold on. The force was so great that her joints appeared faintly white, and her palms and fingers turned dark red

Ah, your parents are truly adorable

Xu Qing looked down and saw that her grandmother's hands were thinner than before. A pang of sadness hit her, and her voice sounded strange, "Grandma, you took my words."

Zheng Jiejie exclaimed, "Grandma, please don't be so polite. You are wise and humorous, and chatting with you is truly rewarding. They say that listening to the words of the elderly prevents one from suffering losses, so in any case, I am the one who benefits."

Jiang Luosheng smiled and dismissed it. Xu Qing guessed that he would not answer, and turned back to continue writing a letter on the computer, the light and shadow from the monitor faintly reflecting on her face. Jiang Luosheng was disinterested in reading; he glanced at Xu Qing and, for some reason, suddenly recalled a movie he had watched in his childhood. In the movie, there was a beautiful fairy who sat in deep thought on a slender branch, her jet-black hair cascading down to the water's surface. In an instant, the characters from the movie and the person before him overlapped, becoming inseparable.

They do not mind at all. Moreover, they said, "What if you get elected and make someone else's parents sad?"

The two of them quarreled for half the night. However, it was only the first day; for the following week, Xu Qing went to the hospital to accompany her grandmother and practiced math competition problems in the evening. The day before Xu Qing set off for Beijing again, her grandmother was finally discharged from the hospital. Only then did Xu Qing feel completely at ease

"If you don't go there, then I will truly be angry," Grandma looked at Zheng Jiejie, smiling slightly, "Isn't that right?"

After Xu Qing finished speaking, she remained silent. Once back in the car, she finally spoke: "Grandma said that the scene of the mother and daughter relying on each other back then is still vivid in her memory, but how has it turned into such coldness and estrangement now? Even children know to recite 'The thread in a kind mother's hand, the clothes on her wandering child's body,' yet my mother does not know, not at all."

These three words filled Professor Yang with great joy, and he exclaimed "good" three times. Xu Qing, not focused on this matter, asked, "Do you know if my grandmother is well? No one has answered the calls I made home."

It has always been this way. Therefore, your friend need not be too distressed

Xu Qing exclaimed: "The growth is so impressive; you must have put in a lot of effort in the cultivation."

Xu Qing was puzzled: "What is there to be afraid of?"

Zheng Jie Jie was unwilling to believe it, so she tried a few times while holding Xu Qing's hand, and indeed discovered that Xu Qing was completely clueless. Zheng Jie Jie held Xu Qing's hand and examined it closely, "Your fingers are long and are naturally most suited for playing the piano. What a pity."

Xu Qing bit her lip to prevent herself from crying, and with great effort said: "As long as you are fine, otherwise, otherwise..." She repeated "otherwise" several times, yet could not articulate what she wanted to say.

Rest assured, I am here. I will wait for your return

Zheng Jiejie does not believe: "It was you who said it, right"

Xu Qing was surprised: "Is this a recent matter?"

How wonderful it is, no longer having to endure the torment of the college entrance examination

Grandmother also smiled in agreement

The two of them got up and went to the study. Zheng JieJie's parents were not at home, and the house was silent. The dim wall lamp in the corridor illuminated the thick fabric carpet, making the patterns on it appear strange and mysterious. This was Xu Qing's first time visiting Zheng JieJie's study. The study was spacious, with three walls lined with bookshelves and one wall housing a Steinway piano. Zheng JieJie opened the piano lid, winked at Xu Qing, and said, "I'll play a piece for you." This was Xu Qing's first time visiting Zheng JieJie's study. The study was spacious, with three walls lined with bookshelves and one wall housing a Steinway piano. Zheng JieJie opened the piano lid, winked at Xu Qing, and said, "I'll play a piece for you."

Zheng Jie Jie detected her bitterness and comforted her: "Perhaps your mother really has something that prevents her from leaving."

Xu Qing suddenly felt that she had lost the ability to speak. She wanted to say "Just do your best," "It's not worth being sad about," but none of these words seemed appropriate to say in front of this smiling person. She simply tightened her grip on his hand

Grandmother

When he was selected for the training class, he had already comforted Xu Qing by saying, "That's enough, the rest may be up to you to handle."

Then it's good, follow me

The farewell took a full hour

The results are out, "Jiang Luosheng looked at Xu Qing's reaction, his smile very pleasant, "You have been selected."

That person glanced at Xu Qing, then at Zheng Jiejie, and then nodded at Grandma, a look of mixed emotion of admiration and envy appearing on his face: "Your granddaughter is truly filial. One comes to see you every day, keeping you company; the other rushed to the hospital as soon as she returned. Look, her forehead is all sweaty, just look at how hot it is."

There has been no response from that side, and a faint sound of electric current hisses in the earpiece

Zheng Jie Jie remained silent, as she understood Xu Qing very well and knew that she was adjusting herself. After a moment, Zheng Jie Jie leaned closer to her and habitually rubbed her forehead, saying, "Look, you've aged a few more years."

After saying this, both of them laughed. Zheng Jiejie suddenly clapped her hands and said with great excitement, "The grapes at my home are ripe. There are so many that they are weighing down the bamboo frame, making it sway precariously, and I've eaten so much that my teeth are falling out."

Well

It should be. It was mentioned by several classmates when they sent me off before the training in Beijing

Xu Qing refused to let Jiang Luosheng see her off, so after disembarking from the plane, the two went home separately. Xu Qing threw her luggage into the living room and headed straight for the hospital. Upon entering the ward, Xu Qing was invigorated by the cold air from the high-powered air conditioner, which alleviated much of her sweat. Xu Qing looked up and saw that her grandmother's hospital bed was conveniently located by the window. At that moment, Zheng Jiejie was sitting in front of her grandmother's bed, peeling fruit, while her grandmother appeared to be nothing but thin. When the two heard the sound of the door opening and saw Xu Qing gently walking into the ward, they couldn't help but smile. At that moment, Zheng Jiejie was sitting in front of her grandmother's bed, peeling fruit, while her grandmother appeared to be nothing but thin. When the two heard the sound of the door opening and saw Xu Qing gently walking into the ward, they couldn't help but smile.

Chen Xian believed he acknowledged it, nodding with a smile, "You may go."

Have you not eaten even once

It seems so. I haven't been to your home during the summer vacation for the past few years

Originally intending to leave, Zheng Jiejie noticed Xu Qing gazing longingly at the entrance as she let go. Following that gaze, Zheng Jiejie was slightly surprised to see a tall young man standing at the airport entrance, dressed in a light blue shirt and white trousers. He had long limbs and an indescribable aura about him.

Xu Qing's voice choked with emotion, "My grandmother..."

In the evening, the two people lay on the same bed chatting, and Zheng Jie Jie hugged the blanket and laughed heartily: "You and I can be considered to be sharing a big blanket together"

What do your parents say

Grandma expressed with some emotion to Xu Qing: "During this period, Jie Jie has been coming to the hospital to accompany me, and it has been like this every day; outside the ward is a vast world, colorful and full of everything. She could be doing anything, yet she chooses to come to the hospital to accompany an old lady like me"

Xu Qing felt her heart tightly entangled. "Fortunately ... ..."

By coincidence, Jiang Luosheng happened to look up and saw a beautiful girl smiling and nodding at him through the crowd, which was as dense as the tide. The girl was truly captivating, with gem-like eyes and skin as smooth as jade. Jiang Luosheng, like all the boys who first laid eyes on her, was momentarily stunned. When he came to his senses, the girl had vanished without a trace.

Xu Qing blinked and said, "My current mental state is such that I could go and fight a tiger"

Friendship indeed cannot be measured by any material thing, Jiang Luosheng was taken aback, gazing intently at Xu Qing, "However, I believe that only with the heart can one touch another's heart. I believe that you feel the same way about your friends."

Grandmother was very pleased to learn about Xu Qing's grades and offered her comfort, which greatly improved Xu Qing's mood. In the end, Grandmother asked, "Will you come back?"

Jiang Luosheng blinked and smiled gently: "Aren't you afraid?"

Aunt is at the hospital accompanying grandmother, and your home is empty. You once mentioned that when the house is silent and unoccupied, shadows of ghosts appear. I cannot allow you to stay in such a place.

Zheng Jiejie understood that Xu Qing was already aware, so there was no need to hide it any longer. Speaking rapidly, she said, "It's nothing, don't worry. The doctor said it was discovered early, and it's not a big deal... um, just wait a moment."

Xu Qing laughed as she rolled onto the sofa: "What should I do? I admire you too."

Seeing Jiang Luosheng's expression change slightly, Xu Qing, fearing he might misunderstand, hurriedly approached him to explain: "Please do not misunderstand. Zheng Jiejie is absolutely not the kind of girl who relies on her looks to be arrogant. You can ask anyone at No. 1 High School who knows her, and they will tell you the same. She is one of the most sincere and kind-hearted people I have ever met"

Jiang Luosheng simply did not know how to respond, so he could only smile.

It was just the weekend afternoon, and Jiang Luosheng was beside Xu Qing, flipping through a book and occasionally drawing horizontal lines on the paper. Seeing Xu Qing describe her current situation in this way, he asked with considerable depth, "Then would you be willing to withdraw?"

Still at the foot of the mountain, Xu Qing saw a deep green curtain hanging in mid-air in the courtyard below the small building, appearing heavy with its lush foliage. Upon entering the courtyard, the view became clearer; the leaves were broad, and the vines evenly supported on the trellis, with clusters of grapes seemingly hanging carelessly beneath the branches and leaves, appearing faintly visible, their color uniformly a crystalline red-purple, very pleasing to the eye. Under the trellis, there were small tables and stools, with a stack of magazines and a delicate fruit basket placed on the table. It looked incredibly cozy.

Xu Qing responded with a light smile, her eyes making a final sweep of the airport, imprinting everything she saw in her mind. As if anticipating something, her gaze suddenly paused in a certain direction. Through the crowd, Xu Qing saw Jiang Luosheng rushing into the airport. As he ran, he looked around, and finally, he fixed his gaze on the exit, distinguishing a slender figure among a large group of people, and then waved his hand with a smile to say goodbye

A few steps away was the bus station. Zheng Jiejie saw Jiang Luosheng helping an elderly person onto the bus, and then immediately came down to walk towards another bus. Zheng Jiejie suddenly realized that the elderly person was not his relative.

The training location is a university-affiliated high school, situated in a quiet corner of the campus. Especially when the results are released, everyone gathers in the dormitory area to look at the score sheets and lists posted on the walls, leaving almost no one in the classrooms. As Jiang Luosheng entered the classroom, he saw Xu Qing lying in the last row, her head resting on her arms, eyes closed, breathing evenly, a strand of hair gently draping over her pale cheek—she had actually fallen asleep.

Jiang Luosheng's eyes flickered, and a faint smile spread across his face: "I heard it from my friend. He saw Zheng Jie Jie at a speech competition in the city and was truly smitten at first sight. He put in a great deal of effort to pursue her, but unfortunately, he was firmly rejected. He was downcast for quite some time. According to him, Zheng Jie Jie is as beautiful as a fairy."

Selected

The training in Beijing is particularly arduous and busy, with each day consisting of early mornings and late nights filled with attending classes, calculations, and examinations. In addition, one must endure immense mental pressure. By the end of the day, everyone is too exhausted to speak. Xu Qing is so tired that she wants to sleep but dares not do so. Whenever she turns her head, she can see the glaring light of her roommate's bedside lamp. Standing in the corridor, the situation in the boys' dormitory across the way is even more terrifying—each room emits a bright light, creating a dazzling sight from a distance, evoking the sense of staying up all night.

The participants in the training camp come from all over the country, each being the top achievers from their respective provinces, standing out among their peers; they are acutely aware of the significance of this competition. It is no exaggeration to say that this is a contest that will determine the trajectory of their lives, with each person resembling a bullet ready to be fired, their eyes ablaze with intensity.

"Xu Qing, is that you?" Zheng Jie was quite surprised, her voice slightly elevated, but she quickly regained her composure. "What are the results of the training session?"

Jiang Luosheng smiled slightly after Xu Qing finished speaking: "I understand. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so close to her. Although I don't know her, I do know you."

As soon as Xu Qing arrived at the hospital corridor, she embraced Zheng Jiejie and said, "Jiejie, I will love you forever"

You can go home for a few days first, and then gather in Beijing to go to Paris together

Time on the plane passes swiftly. Xu Qing was merely taking a short nap when Jiang Luosheng woke her up, urging her to look out the window. A thick, green checkered blanket continuously covered the earth, extending into the infinite distance.

After a while, Zheng Jie Jie finally came to his senses with Zhang Xiao Xiao's gentle push, nodding in agreement: "Yes"

I had a dream, in which I saw my grandmother, Xu Qing recalled the dream, it has been almost three months, hasn't it

Liang Yuanyu was not surprised; she remained silent for a long time, weighing the pros and cons in her mind. After asking a few more questions, she finally made a decision and replied in a calm tone, "But I can't leave. Besides, isn't your grandmother already fine?"

Grandmother is no longer here, and she will not speak to me. Although I am her child, we are even more unfamiliar with each other than strangers... In any case, it is only when I need comfort that I think of grandmother and me

Professor Yang fell into a brief silence, and Xu Qing's eyes immediately turned red, nearly bringing her to tears. Xu Qing's voice, tinged with a sob, transmitted like an electric current across a thousand miles, greatly shocking Professor Yang, who said: "Xu Qing, don't worry, don't worry. There have been some issues at home, but everything is fine now. Your grandmother was hospitalized a couple of days ago due to illness, and it was discovered by one of your classmates. The doctor said it is not serious. It's just that she is elderly, and it is due to heart and lung function failure."

Many times, silence is sufficient

If one were to win the gold medal, it goes without saying... just thinking about it makes one's heart race

Then this grapevine has come to the right place at your home

Jiang Luosheng saw Xu Qing dialing and hanging up the phone repeatedly, and he furrowed his brows and asked, "What is going on?"

Zheng Jie Jie let out a pleasant sigh: "Then this year will be fine"

"Of course not," Xu Qing said with a serious expression, stopping her typing. She rubbed her face with both hands and moved her wrists. "No, no, having come this far, I have put in tremendous effort... Regardless, even if there is only one spot, I will persevere to the end. Moreover, I truly love mathematics. Don't you?"

Zheng Jiejie raised her eyebrows and glanced at the door, then turned her head to look at Xu Qing, her eyes clearly expressing confusion; Xu Qing looked back at Zheng Jiejie, paused for a moment, and a beautiful arc appeared at the corner of her mouth as she gave a knowing smile, implying "You should have figured out who that is"

It is Xu Qing's mother

Well, we can go back in two days